Addressing Outcomes Expectancies in Behavior Change

Individuals commonly seek help for problem health behaviors, such as excessive drinking, smoking, and weight gain. Yet there is a high rate of recidivism in these behaviors because outcome expectancies are either too high, negative outcome expectancies are not considered, or outcome expectancies are not properly addressed. Health care providers are recommended to list the outcome expectancy for the problem behavior and corresponding treatment for their patient. Through the process it is important to acknowledge both the positive and negative outcomes of engaging in the problem behavior. Health care providers are then encouraged to have their patient identify the goals and objectives that will assist in achieving the desired outcome. By recognizing and addressing outcome expectancies, it is more likely that the patient will be less resistant to the health care provider’s recommendations to change problematic behavior.